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He huffs out a laugh and shakes his head. “Remind me never to play poker with you.”
I shrug, not bothering to hide my satisfaction. “So. You and Samantha.”
Drew scrubs a palm over his jaw. “It just . . . happened. We were both working late, and . . . well, it’s not like we planned it.”
“How long?”
“Couple of months. We’ve been keeping it quiet. Your da has that whole thing about workplace relationships.”
I nod, processing this. “And the thefts? What do you know about those?”
His brows knit together in confusion. “Nothing. Wait, why would—” His jaw drops a little. “What are you suggesting?”
“Honestly, Drew? I think Samantha framed me, and I’m trying to figure out if you were in on it or not.”
“What the fuck?” He springs up like he’s been stung. “Christ, Robbie, that’s a serious accusation. You know I wouldn’t do that. And Samantha? She wouldn’t either.”
“Wouldn’t she? She’s never liked me. And as for you . . . well, that was a nice wee promotion you got. Quite convenient I’m out of the picture, right?”
His face flushes. “Piss off! It’s not like that. I didn’t steal anything, and Samantha’s been at the resort for years! Why would she risk it all now?”
“Money troubles after the divorce? Revenge because I turned her down when she made a pass at me?”
He gapes, momentarily lost for words. “She what?”
“Happened last year. I wasn’t interested, and she didn’t take it well.”
He sinks back onto the sofa. “She never said anything about that.”
“I bet there’s a lot she hasn’t told you. But you’re right, she’s been at the resort a long time. Which means she knows how everything works. And that puts her in the perfect position to pull off something like this. Have a think. Has she been acting strangely lately? Nervous? Jumpy?”
He hesitates, and I can see him mentally replaying recent interactions. “She has been a bit . . . fidgety. Snapping at folk more than usual. Barely saying a word otherwise.”
“When did that start?”
“I don’t know, a few weeks ago? That’s around the time of the first theft, I suppose, but that could just be coincidence.”
“Anything else you can think of that’s out of the ordinary for her?”
Drew frowns. “She went into Inverness last Monday. Wouldn’t tell me why—said it was personal. I didn’t push it.”
Hmm. Could a trip to Inverness be relevant somehow?
“What time did she go?”
“Afternoon. Took a half day.” Drew studies me. “You really think she’s behind this, don’t you?”
“I know I didn’t steal those items. Someone set me up, and Samantha had motive, means, and opportunity.”
Drew presses his lips together, staring at a spot on the carpet like it might offer up answers. “I don’t know, Robbie. It’s hard to believe.”
“Harder to believe than me becoming a thief after years of honest work?”
He winces. “Fair point.”
“Look, I’m not asking you to spy on your girlfriend or whatever she is. But keep your eyes open, aye? If you notice anything suspicious—anything at all—let me know.”
He nods slowly. “I can do that. But what if you’re wrong about her?”
